Synbiotic administration improves systemic and vascular alterations in rats with experimental microsurgical extrahepatic cholestasis: Role of perivascular mesenteric innervation

Liver cholestasis is marked by bile acid accumulation in the liver, along with renal issues, portal hypertension, and altered circulation. Previous studies suggest that synbiotics may improve systemic and hemodynamic conditions in liver diseases. Objective This study investigated the effects of a commercial synbiotic on gut microbiota, liver and kidney function, and vascular changes in a cholestatic rat model, focusing on nerve functions in the superior mesenteric arteries.

Methodology Adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham-operated, Cholestatic, and Cholestatic with synbiotic supplementation for 3 weeks. Liver colestasis was induced by surgical techniques. Blood pressure was measured using tail-cuff method.Liver and renal structure were determined using histological techniques (hematoxilin-eosin tinction).

Liver and renal parameters in serum were measured using spectrophotometrical techniques. Short chain fatty acids were determined through liquid chromatography. Gene expression in kidney and fecal simples were determined by qRT-PCR.

Vasomotor responses in superior mesenteric artery were determined by vascular reactivity techniques (organ bath).Neurotransmitter and endotoxin releases were measured using enzymeinmunoassay and fluorescence techniques. Protein expression was measured using western blot.